Context
Recently, India hosted the 68th Session of the Governing Body of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in New Delhi, bringing together member economies to discuss issues related to productivity, innovation and sustainable economic development.
About Asian Productivity Organization (APO)
- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is an intergovernmental organisation established in 1961 to promote productivity and sustainable socioeconomic development in the Asia-Pacific region.
- The organisation encourages cooperation, capacity building and knowledge sharing among member economies.
- Its headquarters is located in Tokyo, Japan.
Membership
- APO membership is open to countries in Asia and the Pacific that are members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).
- The organisation currently comprises 21 member economies, including India, which is a founding member.
- Member economies coordinate with APO through designated National Productivity Organizations (NPOs).
- In India, the National Productivity Council (NPC) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry functions as the designated NPO.
Functions and Structure
- APO works to enhance productivity in sectors such as agriculture, industry, services and public administration for sustainable economic growth.
- The organisation consists of the Governing Body, National Productivity Organizations and the Secretariat headed by a Secretary-General.
- The Governing Body is the highest decision-making authority of APO and meets annually to determine strategic priorities, approve major proposals and review the performance of the Secretariat.
